Paul Earley named new Irish International Rules manager

Paul Earley has been confirmed as the new manager of the Irish International Rules team.

The Roscommon native succeeds Anthony Tohill who led Ireland to success down under in 2011.

Earley, who played in the series under Eugene McGee in 1987, went to Australia in 1983 and saw action in the Victorian Football League, before returning home in 1985.

As a Gaelic footballer, Earley holds an All Star and two Connacht championship medals.

The first test against Australia on 19 October will take place at an Ulster venue yet to be confirmed with the second scheduled for Croke Park the following week.

The manager’s backroom team will also be confirmed in due course.

GAA President Liam O'Neill said the Association was delighted with Paul’s appointment and wished him every success in his new role.

“I am delighted that someone of the standing and calibre of Paul Earley will lead the Irish challenge in the next series against Australia here in Ireland next Autumn.

“Not only is Paul hugely enthusiastic about the initiative and the opportunity that it affords Gaelic footballers, he has first hand experience of both the International Rules game and Aussie Rules itself having played with the Melbourne Demons."